What a delightful surprise! I was about halfway through another book that was becoming more and more belabored and decided I needed a break from it. I went to Amazon to browse and something about this book’s description caught my attention. I purchased it and read it all in one day. I will admit that part of its appeal was the two protagonists dealing with grief and loss within their families as I am in that same process.

I don’t remember whether the book blurb tells you or not, but this is a very clean book – not even a kiss until almost the end. However, for some reason, that just seems exactly right for this book, this story, and these protagonists. Both lead characters had recently lost parents and it had left them lost, floundering, and unsure of themselves, the world, and their place in it. Their initial meeting went badly and both of them had their hackles raised with each other from that point forward. Baxter quickly learned Briar was appropriately named as she was very prickly and easily vexed – at least by him.

American Briar Kensington lost her whole world when her parents died. She was passed from uncaring distant relative to uncaring distant relative until her British grandfather could make arrangements for her to come to England and live with him. Now, deeply mourning and in a strange country, she has no idea how to fit into this new life. The rules of English society make no sense to her as they seem to value propriety above all else. So, when she literally runs into a man on a path she believes is on her grandfather’s property – and he refuses to give his name because they have not been introduced – and then proceeds to denigrate her being American – she takes an intense dislike to him. She fumes at what a lout he is!

Baxter Fernley, the Earl of Grafton, is still reeling from the sudden loss of his father. His father was everything that was good, decent, proper, and wise, and now Baxter has to step into those shoes. How can he do it? He spent his life at his father’s side learning to be the earl, but learning and observing are a far cry from being the earl. The responsibility for the earldom, his six brothers, and his mother sits heavily on his shoulders. So, when a hoydenish American literally runs into him and she ends up sitting in a mud puddle, his temper flares. How dare she be on his property, especially so dirty and unkempt. Her manners – goodness – how can she be so forward? She demanded to know his name though they’d never been introduced.

Every time Baxter and Briar are near each other, the tempers flare, and unkind words are hurled like spears into battle. Yet, beneath those tempers, there are kindred spirits that recognize each other and pull toward each other. It was delightful to watch these two battle it out until they each finally had the grand epiphany that they actually enjoyed those battles and they cared for each other.

I really enjoyed this read and this new-to-me author. The writing was good, the plot flowed well, and the characters were very relatable. I would assume there will be six more books in the series since there are six more brothers to marry. I suppose there could be seven should the author decide to provide a romance for Gigi, the mother of all those boys. Should you choose to read the book, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. ( )

“She didn’t know if she liked acknowledging his good traits because every time she was near him, she had the aching desire to force insanity upon him.”

“If they could have a civil conversation without jumping to conclusions, with a great deal of effort, they might even be able to build a friendship.”

Have you ever had a disastrous first meeting where you both come away instantly disliking the other? That’s exactly what happens in this enemies to lovers, forced proximity, Regency romance. When her parents die unexpectedly, Briar Kensington travels from Boston to Yorkshire, England to go live with her grandfather. As a “dreaded” American, she doesn’t exactly conform to the stringent rules of English society.

Her first meeting with her neighbor, the Earl of Grafton is awful to say the least. She’s covered in mud, trespassing on his property, and he thinks she’s trying to force him into marriage. Briar is upset with the earl’s somewhat rude, heavy-handed treatment. So when her grandfather decides to leave her at the earl’s estate while he travels to France with the expectation she find a husband, Briar is less than thrilled.

Honestly, I had a hard time liking these two at first. Braxton, the Earl of Grafton appears to be stuffy, aloof, and a bit pompous. He’s very Darcy-esque. Briar is aptly named. She’s brash, outspoken, a little immature, and not afraid to put the earl in his place. It’s hard to believe these two will ever have a civil word with each other. However, under those prickly exteriors are two people with kind hearts struggling with the deaths of loved ones. When they begin to talk to one another and share their thoughts and feelings, the sparks still fly, but not from anger.

I really enjoyed the secondary characters. My favorite character was Gigi, the earl’s mother. She presides over Primrose Hall with her adoring seven sons all trying to find their way after her husband’s death. I liked the way she took Briar into her home and gave her a mother’s concern and love. She’s excellent at challenging all her sons and I enjoyed her slightly mischievous personality. I also enjoyed the brothers, especially Gilbert. There’s also a comically annoying, dandyish suitor who tries to court Briar.

If you enjoy enemies to lovers stories with close proximity, you might enjoy this clean, regency romance. Thanks to the author for providing an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. I gave it 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4. ( )